Despite constant reports of gridlock and polarization, one issue has brought Republicans and Democrats together in recent years — government transparency. In the 113th Congress alone they fought to strengthen the Freedom of Information Act, changed the way the federal government tracks and shares spending data, and adopted new protections for whistleblowers.

These improvements have been rightly celebrated, but there is more work to be done. As the 113th Congress comes to a close, it is time to identify priorities and possibilities for next year and beyond. The task of opening up the government should continue to bring the parties together in the 114th Congress.

The Advisory Committee on Transparency and the Sunlight Foundation are excited to provide a forum for a panel of experts and advocates from across the political spectrum to discuss their ideas for reforms and strategies for success.

• Whistleblower Protection Legislation in the 114th Congress

  Government Accountability Project

  Recommendations from the Government Accountability Project.

• Tester introduces the SUN Act, gets real about disclosure by nonprofits

  The Sunlight Foundation

  The Sunlight for Unaccountable Nonprofits (SUN) Act would at long last require that already public information about nonprofits be put online in a searchable, usable format. It would also require disclosure of large donors to nonprofits that elect to engage in political activities.

• Senate should consider real time transparency to counteract McCutcheon

  The Sunlight Foundation

  the Real Time Transparency Act, H.R. 4442 and S. 2207 would ensure the public knows in real time when individuals give massive contributions directly to candidates and committees.

• Cause of Action’s Recommendations for the 114th Congress

  Cause of Action